Soon cars will have iPod connection August 4, 2006
Posted by Ryan Jarrett in Advertising, Apple, Microsoft, Podcasts, Tech.1 comment so far
Apple have done deals in the States with Ford, GM (Vauxhall) and Mazda to have iPod connections installed in new cars. These connections will, obviously, link in with the car’s stereo system, but they will also charge the iPod and allow control via the stero’s controls (including steering column cotrol). I presume this will also go as far as using in-car displays to show the name/artist/duration of tracks.
I see this as a good thing – I listen to my iPod while I’m driving my car. However, I have to use a lead with two 3.5mm headphone jacks and plug one end into my ‘pod and the other into my car stereo (fortunately it has a 3.5mm input on the front). Not ideal, especially as I still have to use the iPod itself to change tracks (only when parked your honour) and it certainly doesn’t charge the thing. A neat socket I can quickly shove my Nano into would be much easier (and neater). I hope this comes to the UK, and that also other car manufacturers follow suit. I can see iPods being bundled with new cars soon.
Apparently in the States the broadcast radio industry is a little worried about this. Radio still rules in most cars but if people start using their iPod to listen to music and podcasts then their audience will obviously decline, reducing the advertising revenue they can generate. This may mean moving into commercial-supported podcasting.
The other issue that crossed my mind is whether other media player manufacturers (read Sony and Microsoft) will try and secure similar deals to retain some share of this market and block Apple. Sony may add some sort of compatability to their car stereos.
First clip of new Bravia ad August 1, 2006
Posted by Ryan Jarrett in Advertising, TV.add a comment
Not long ago I reported that Sony are making a follow up to their Bravia “Balls” ad (you know, the one with the balls rolling down the hill and the José Gonzales song). Well, today I found a video of the “making of”, and it doesnt dissappoint!
Spiceworks – The Free IT Desktop July 25, 2006
Posted by Ryan Jarrett in Advertising, Google, Tech.add a comment
In my last job (and to a lesser extent, in my current job) I was working with a limited budget and resources. Therefore I was always on the lookout for good quality, low cost (i.e. free!) software tools. I found quite a few (and occassionally use them for testing in certain circumstances) and I may post a list on here if there is enough demand. Today I’m just spreading the word about Spiceworks. Its curious not only because its a browser-based, network admin tool but because it displays Google ads alongside the application in the browser – and this is how its funded. I can see larger companies disregarding Spiceworks because they already use Microsoft’s Systems Management Server, or another third party tool, but for SMEs, organisations and charities with smaller budgets I can see a home. I’m hoping Spiceworks is the first of many Google ad-supported apps we will see (if you’re reading this guys then an easy-install-and-use Intranet would be great!), especially with Ajax and other web2.0 technologies extending what is practical and achievable in a web browser.
Follow up being made to Bravia Balls July 21, 2006
Posted by Ryan Jarrett in Advertising, TV.add a comment
I just found out that Sony are making a follow up to the amazing Bravia Balls advert. They are keeping a blog about its progress which you can read here. I think its something to do with paint!
McDonalds Sundial Billboard July 20, 2006
Posted by Ryan Jarrett in Advertising, Food.add a comment
I’ve been to the States three times (Florida each time I’m afraid – I’m a sucker for theme parks) and their billboards are much more exciting than ours. McDonald’s new billboard in Chicago features a sundial which points to a different breakfast item every hour until lunchtime when it points to a burger. Why cant we have boards like this in the UK?
chamblog 